Key legal requirements for residential landlords and property managers operating in Texas.
Governing statute: Texas Property Code Ch. 92 (Residential Tenancies)
Maintain premises in fit and habitable condition (per court decisions and § 92.052), repair conditions affecting physical health or safety, provide smoke detectors, security devices
Written notice; if not repaired within reasonable time (typically 7 days), tenant may repair and deduct, terminate, or obtain court order. Must give landlord second written notice if using repair-and-deduct
7 days is presumed reasonable; shorter for emergencies (burst pipes, no heat in cold weather)
State law preempts local rent control ordinances.
Disclaimer: This is a general summary of Texas landlord-tenant law and does not constitute legal advice. Local ordinances may impose additional requirements. Consult a qualified Texas attorney for specific situations. Last reviewed: 2026-05.
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